Cecilia Gentili death: Two men charged with supplying fentanyl-laced heroin that killed trans activist

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: Two men were charged with allegedly selling fentanyl-laced heroin that killed transgender activist, writer, and performer Cecilia Gentili.

Brooklyn resident Michael Kuilan, 44, and Long Island resident Antonio Venti, 52, were detained on Monday, April 1. The two were identified as the dealers who allegedly supplied Gentili with the lethal combination of drugs.

Cecilia Gentili died due to deadly combination of drugs

The 52-year-old Gentili was a well-known transgender community leader and activist whose funeral at St Patrick's Cathedral in New York infuriated Catholic worshippers.

Gentili was found dead on February 6 by cops who were responding to a 911 call at her Brooklyn home. According to the authorities, a lethal dose of xylazine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl caused her death.

According to the indictment, text messages, cell site data, and other evidence demonstrated that Venti sold Gentili the combination of fentanyl and heroin on February 5 and that Kuilan provided Venti with the deadly drugs.

Kuilan was also accused of possessing a gun illegally, Daily News reported.

“Cecilia Gentili, a prominent activist and leader of the New York transgender community was tragically poisoned in her Brooklyn home from fentanyl-laced heroin,” said US Attorney Breon Peace in a statement.

Peace further added, “[Monday], the alleged perpetrators who sold the deadly dose of drugs to Gentili have been arrested."

“Fentanyl is a public health crisis. Our office will spare no effort in the pursuit of justice for the many New Yorkers who have lost loved ones due to this lethal drug,” Peace added.

Catholic Church has long condemned queer and transgenders

The events surrounding Gentili's demise were highly debated. Much to Cardinal Timothy Dolan's dismay, her funeral on February 15 took place at the revered St Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.

Dolan called for a rare Mass of Reparation to be said in order to ask for forgiveness regarding the funeral. “[Church officials] didn’t know the background of this woman who had died,” the cardinal said at the time. “All they know is somebody called and said, ‘Our dear friend died. We’d love to have the funeral at St Patrick’s Cathedral,'" Dolan added. 

Although the Vatican declared in October that transgender persons would be permitted to be godparents in certain circumstances and be baptized, the Catholic Church has long condemned queer and transgender people.

However, after Gentili's funeral, incensed Catholics took to social media to criticize what they saw as people eulogizing Gentili while wearing skimpy clothing and cursing at the podium.

In a lighthearted homage to the woman, mourners also mockingly referred to her as a "saint" and altered the lyrics of some Catholic songs. According to Gentili's close friend Ceyenne Doroshow, the public release of the information about her fatal overdose just made matters worse.

Antonio Venti and Michael Kuilan charged with felonies

Doroshow claimed that to keep her family and loved ones safe, she attempted to persuade law enforcement to suppress the details of her friend's death.

“I did try to have it sealed, to protect her husband, to protect her family, to protect everyone,” Doroshow said as per Daily News.

“I feel it’s nobody’s personal business how she died. I didn’t want her to be tarnished by any of this. We’re all human. I’m more concerned that her legacy gets protected.”

Peter Scotto, Gentili's longtime partner, did not give a reason for her passing when he made the announcement.

Gentili advocated as an activist for the New York State Gender Expression and Discrimination Act to be passed into law in 2019. She also acted in the highly regarded television series 'Pose.'

Venti and Kuilan were charged with felonies in Brooklyn Federal Court, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years to life in prison. According to Kulian's mother, Elizabeth Pabellon, he wasn't allowed to turn himself in. Kulian lives with his grandmother.

“They broke my mother’s door down,” Pabellon said.

John Turco, Venti's attorney, expressed gratitude to reporters for Gentili's activism in a note. “Transgender issues have touched me personally and professionally,” Turco said.

Turco added, “I’ve been a fierce advocate. Cecilia Gentili will never be forgotten. We mourn her loss and our hearts go out to her family.”